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PND cure a step closer with new discovery

Clue found in hormones to help explain why some mums suffer post-natal depression

A link has been found between the sharp drop in oestrogen in mums after giving birth and the development of post-natal depression and the baby blues. Previous studies have discovered an increase in an enzyme which blocks “happy” mood chemicals such as serotonin and dopamine. The increase in this enzyme appears to be related to the decrease in the hormone oestrogen.

Mood chemicals such as serotonin and dopamine promote contentedness so if they are blocked in the brain, there is a higher chance of suffering from depression.

Dr Julia Sacher who led the research is hopeful that this clue could be a step on the way to developing a cure. “Our results have the exciting potential for prevention for severe postpartum blues,” Dr Julia said. “This could have an impact on prevention and treatment of postpartum depression in the future,” she added.Several studies have reported developments in the field of PND recently leading to hopes that mums-to-be could be screened during their pregnancy for their susceptibility to the condition. Scientists are also working on creating a drug to remove the problem enzyme or at least disable it.

If you have any worries about PND you can find information in our guide or speak to your GP.